Automation For Large-Scale Dust Control

[Peoria, IL] -- One of the dust control industry’s leading suppliers has announced a strategic collaboration to apply computer-controlled automation for monitoring and managing dust suppression equipment.  Driven by proprietary software, the resulting “intelligent” systems can be programmed to manage start/stop cycles based on dust monitor readings, motion sensors, weather input or operator remote control.  The technology allows users of DustBoss^® equipment to automatically adjust elevation, oscillation range and other features on any number of machines to improve suppression performance and free up manpower for other tasks.

In announcing the new program, BossTek unveiled its finalized agreement with SMI Evaporative Solutions (Midland, MI) to design and manufacture cutting-edge automation systems for use with DustBoss suppression equipment, giving users unprecedented data capture and control over large-scale dust abatement.  SMI is a global innovator of ducted misting systems and high-density, low-velocity evaporators.  The firm supplies standard and customized software packages under the trade name SmartH₂0^TM.

Designed to deliver greater control and efficiency to dust management systems in bulk material handling operations, these advanced systems give users the capability to efficiently track wind direction, speed, temperature, humidity and even visible emissions data.  The automated networks can be programmed to factor any or all of those elements together and determine what combination of conditions will trigger specific system responses.

A Strategic Partnership

SMI and BossTek have been collaborating on the design and construction of particle suppression systems since BossTek was founded in 2004 by two experts from the bulk material handling industry with more than 50 years’ experience between them.  SMI Evaporative Solutions provides high quality, energy-efficient water management products and services to a variety of industries, such as mining, oil and gas (including Coal Bed Methane) and municipal water treatment.  The firm specializes in water fracturing and fan atomization equipment, able to design and engineer all aspects of water management, automation and computerization.

“Our dust suppression team has a unique understanding of material flow and fugitive particle control issues,” observed BossTek CEO Edwin Peterson.  “With SMI’s engineering and manufacturing expertise, we’ve created a perfect strategic partnership to further advance the science of dust suppression.

“Adding automation technology to our product line brings a new dimension to dust management,” Peterson continued.  “Now customers with large-scale operations involving many units can exert a level of monitoring and control that would require an entire staff of operators to achieve manually.”

SMI President Joe VanderKelen explained the team’s approach: “We’ve made a conscious decision over the last decade or so, investing heavily in automation and software.  Technology has now advanced so much that we saw an opportunity to take dust management to the next level.  Our automation today is far superior to what was available just a few years ago, and it can be custom-tailored to suit very specific applications,” he said.  “We see it as a way to help our customers improve suppression efficiency and control labor costs.”

SMI is a global supplier of cutting-edge fan-based misting equipment, including system design, infrastructure, construction and engineering services.  Headquartered in Midland, Michigan, SMI has flourished over four decades of consistent growth in quality, production and reputation.  The company has served customers in dozens of countries from its 25 sales and support offices around the world, and typically has more than 30 engineering projects in motion at any given time.  During its 35+ year history, SMI has supplied more than 16,000 machines.  The firm typically maintains a $2 million spare parts inventory and invests more than $500,000 annually in R&D.  For more information, go to www.evapor.com.

BossTek is a global leader in dust and odor control solutions for coal handling, demolition, recycling, scrap processing, mining, steel production, and other bulk material applications.  The company’s DustBoss® product line helps reduce labor costs vs. manual sprays, freeing up manpower and significantly improving efficiency.  Some customers have realized payback in less than six months, netting an annual cost savings of more than $50,000.  Built for safety and rugged durability, the units are backed by the industry’s longest warranty: 3 years or 3,000 hours.  For more information, visit bosstek.com.